The Yalla Ba'Galil festival, which was scheduled for Monday and Tuesday in the Druze town of Beit Jann, was canceled at the last minute due to fears of clashes and violence.
Local Council Chief Adv. Naziah Dabour announced the decision this morning, explaining that it was made out of concern for public safety.
The festival was scheduled to include performances by Jewish and Druze artists, including Eden Ben-Zaken, Loai Ali, and the Revivo Project. According to Dabour, opposition to the event and the fear that the controversy surrounding it would escalate into clashes led him to conclude that it could not be held as planned
"I respect everyone's right to support or oppose, so do I respect the status of the clerics and the feelings of our religious community members. According to Dabour, given the "real fears" of clashes, it was not possible to guarantee that the event would pass without friction.
The Council Chief emphasized that the decision was made out of responsibility for all residents of Beit Jan, religious and non-religious. "My first responsibility is to protect people. I have no right to endanger anyone to prove one position or another," he wrote, and clarified that his goal is to prevent "bloodshed."
Despite cancelling the festival, Dabour clarified that his decision is not a surrender to threats or setting a precedent. He said that the decision "will not constitute a precedent that would enable any factor to force his will," and does not grant the right to violate the Council's decisions or violate the rights of others."
Dabour noted that he plans to work to hold the event in the future, at a date and under circumstances that would allow for the preservation of public peace and the rights of all residents. He defined the cancellation of the event at this time as a "responsible decision."
A source involved in the production told Ynet that the decision was primarily driven by the dispute surrounding the planned performance of Eden Ben Zaken, a Jewish female singer. However, this claim has not been officially confirmed or addressed.